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Playing By the Rules

Recently while chatting with my neighbours regarding traffic safety and a local parking issue, I realized few people on my street knew the exact distance cars were allowed to park next to their driveway, or to an intersection.

Did you ever wonder what the exact parking rules are?

From the City of Ottawa's bylaws, it is illegal to park;

(a) Within nine (9) metres of an intersection (that's about 29.5 feet)

(b) Within three (3) metres opposite a fire hydrant (that's about 10 feet)

(c) In front of or within one and one-half (1.5) metres of a laneway or driveway (that's about 5 feet)

(d) So as to obstruct a vehicle in the use of any laneway or driveway

(e) In such a position that will prevent the convenient removal of any other vehicle previously parked or standing (in other words you can't block someone in)

What are the consequences for the common driving infractions we see?

Driving the wrong way carries a $110 fine and 3 demerit points

Disobeying stop signs, fail to stop, $110 fine and 3 demerit points

What are the consequences for distracted driving such as texting & driving?

a fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $490 if settled out of court

fine of up to $1,000 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket

three demerit points applied to your driver’s record

You can report these type of parking infractions to the City of Ottawa using 3-1-1 or this online report link.